Molly Greeley

In Jane Austen's famous novel Pride and Prejudice, Charlotte Lucas is the close friend of the book's central character, Elizabeth Bennet. Charlotte is 27, unmarried, undowried, unattractive, and as a spinster lady, unmarried, she will be relegated to the care and kindness of one of her brothers in order that she not become destitute. So when the bumbling and foolish Rev. Collins proposes to her, what can she do but accept? As the wife of a clergyman, she will have sufficient money, security, and standing in the community, things she will lack without such a husband. And so Charlotte marries Mr. Collins, as it is the wise choice. That she does not love him, and in fact, is embarrassed by him, seem minor considerations.

The Clergyman's Wife takes up the tale of Charlotte and Mr. Collins three years into their marriage, and well-settled in their parsonage in Kent. They have a little daughter, Louisa, and the too-constant companionship of Lady Catherine de Burgh, who advises on household matters large and small. Charlotte and Mr. Lucas have learned to live around each other, so that they are not too often in each other's company, as time has taught them that they are not each others' ideal mate.

When Charlotte, out for a walk, meets Mr. Travis, a neighbouring farmer, she falls for him, against all sense, and against all desire. She is deeply troubled by her attraction, and by how poorly Mr. Collins adds up next to the kind and thoughtful farmer.

It is not black and white. The author shows that Mr. Collins does have his better moments. He is genuinely fond of his wife and small daughter; he is quietly happy in his life in home and parish, and is occasionally thoughtful towards Charlotte. He is not painted as a complete disappointment, and Mr. Travis is not painted as the perfect man. It is a balanced account, with flawed characters such as we find in life.

I liked the book. It is quite atmospheric, particularly well done when it comes to Charlotte's strong sense of claustrophobia and laboured breathing that she feels inside her marriage and her home. I very much enjoy Pride and Prejudice-related fiction, and this was a very good example of its type.… (plus d'informations)

What an interesting story told from the viewpoint of husband and wife. Petrus was born with hair covering his body. Abandoned, he was taken in by a woman and her grandson who cared for him, but then is kidnapped by pirates and finds himself as a "gift" to Henri, King of France and husband to Catherine de Medici. Here Petrus was educated but still treated as a "wild man" and was used as an amusement to the courtiers.

Queen Catherine arranges for him to be wed in order to produce more haired children for the court. Catherine (the wife) is the daughter of a merchant who has lost his wealth and has few options other than the nunnery. At first, both Petrus and Catherine are completely fearful of the other and both feel a great deal of shame although they are expected and do produce a daughter, also with hair covering her body.

The author does a wonderful job of portraying the French court and the pettiness of the royalty who are obsessed with oddities and treat people such as Petrus and the dwarves as pets. The pain, embarrassment, and anger of both Petrus and Catherine is well drawn.

The couple eventually manage to find a deep love for each other and their children, three of four born with body hair. The loss of their daughter to the court brought tears to my eyes.

The book is based upon a real couple in the court and a picture of a young French girl whose face is covered with hair. Loved the story and the writing and liked the way the chapters alternated between Petrus and Catherine.… (plus d'informations)

Jane Austen would have enjoyed The Heiress as an extension of her book, Pride and Prejudice with the supportive character Anne de Bourgh. It takes place when Anne was born to Sir Lewis de Bourgh and Lady Catherine at their estate, Rosings Park - and ends there as well with her death. As an only child, she is the heir of her father's estate and since her mother and Aunt have told her she will marry her cousin who has an estate, this couple will be very wealthy. But we all know, life never goes according to the plan with health issues, love and relationships in the family. I read the pages quickly with so much suspense and smiled with "Ladies only need accomplishments when they are not secure in their prospects." The historical fiction is delightful and characters make you feel like you're watching every move. Anne used her independence and didn't miss a beat as she was told: "Your mind is like an arm or leg; it must be subjected to vigorous exercise or risk going soft."

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this early copy.… (plus d'informations)